Taunton native David Simas is heading back to Washington for a second stint working in the White House.

The White House confirmed Friday that Simas has been appointed Assistant to the President and Deputy Senior Advisor for Communication and Strategy.

“The challenges we face as a country, from rebuilding middle class security to strengthening our national security are complicated, and require thoughtful, comprehensive solutions,” President Barack Obama said in a statement issued by the White House press office. “That’s why I am proud to announce a team with the deep expertise necessary to move our country forward. From growing the economy and shrinking our deficits, to keeping our country safe and addressing the dangers of climate change, these are people who will not rest until we get the job done.”

Simas served as a top aide to Gov. Deval Patrick before landing a job in the White House during Obama’s first term. He left the White House in 2011 to lead the polling and focus-group research component of Obama’s re-election campaign.

“I am honored to once again serve the president and the country,” Simas said in a statement to the Gazette.

Patrick pitches budget

Gov. Deval Patrick proposed a $34.8 billion state budget for next year that would boost aid to cities and towns and provide massive new spending on transportation and education – all fueled by new taxes.

Overall, Patrick’s budget would boost spending $2.3 billion next July, a 6.9 percent increase. That includes $553 million additional funding for education and $269 million for transportation.

Newly announced on Wednesday were plans to end sales tax exemptions for candy and soda and raise the cigarette excise tax another dollar, to $3.51 per pack.

Patrick proposed similar measures in the past¸ but the Legislature has rejected them. Likewise, the governor again revived a plan to expand bottle deposits to bottled water and sports drinks.

Earlier in the month, Patrick announced plans to raise the state income tax rate from 5.25 percent to 6.25 percent, while doubling the personal exemption to $8,800, and to cut the sales tax from 6.25 percent to 4.5 percent.

He also hopes to tie the gasoline tax to inflation and schedule regular transit fare and toll increases. Patrick also has proposed eliminating some 45 personal tax exemptions and deductions and three corporate tax breaks.

— Material from David Riley of GateHouse News Service was used in this report.